SOAK to play special homecoming gig in Christ Church tonight

Derry singing sensation SOAK will play what’s being billed as an intimate concert in the city’s Christ Church this evening (Friday).

The singer, whose real name is Bridie Mons Watson, last year signed a publishing deal with Universal and will be releasing her debut album next year on Rough Trade Records.

The Prehen teenager joins an impressive list of some of the world’s highest ranking artists at the prestigious label including, Snow Patrol, Elton John and Elvis Costello.

Described in the press as a “teenage musical prodigy” the 16-year-old former Oakgrove College pupil has caught the attention of BBC Radio One. She also enjoyed an appearance on RTE’s Late Late show recently.

Speaking to the Journal this week from her current base in London, the former Oakgrove College pupil said she was “excited” at the prospect of singing in Christ Church in her home town.

“It’s going to be an amazing tour and I’ll be playing a string of church dates,” she said.

“We played the first gig in St Giles church in London but it will be great to be able to perform back home. I haven’t played a headline show in about a year so it is really exciting.”

The local performer also spoke about her debut album which she says will offer something different to her fans.

“I spent about six weeks recording the album with Villagers guitarist Tommy McLaughlin in Glenveagh in Donegal and it was just the most amazing setting. It’s every musician’s dream to record somewhere like that.”

Having spent significant time in London recently, the Derry teenager says she misses her friends at home who have been a constant support to her as her music career gets off the ground.

“It’s been a really interesting time but I still miss the people back home. Although my friends love the fact that they can get so many tickets to gigs. So that’s one of the advantages. It will be a nice to get a short visit home for the Christ Church concert.”

The singer revealed that her first album may surprise some fans.

“There are 12 tracks and there’s quite a variety. It’s not just me and my guitar,” she hinted.